Apparatus to permit use of a computer pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device such as a mechanical or optical mouse or a track ball unit within the footprint of a keyboard. The apparatus supports the pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard to permit full use of both the pointing device and the keys. The apparatus comprises a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support the pointing device and regions formed in the platform to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform. The regions can be openings through the platform to allow a user&#39;s fingers to press the keys directly. The regions can be deformable to permit a user to manipulate the keys underneath the platform indirectly. Alternatively, the keyboard itself can be designed with keys having specially shaped surfaces to support a pointing device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to computer equipment and, moreparticularly, to equipment for supporting a computer pointing device onor over a keyboard while still permitting use of the keyboard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Keyboards and computer pointing devices, such as mice or trackballs, are currently the most common means for a user to control acomputer by allowing input of control commands or control data.Normally, computer mice, whether they are mechanical or optical, areplaced on the same surface as the keyboard often on a mouse pad. Trackballs, which rely on a movable ball mounted in a stationary body, aregenerally positioned on the same surface directly adjacent the keyboard.Particularly with today's Graphical User Interface (GUI) computeroperating systems, it is necessary for the user to frequently switchbetween keyboard and pointing device to input control commands. From anergonomic point of view, it is preferable if the movement of a user'shand between keyboard and pointing device is minimized. As well, thespace available for the keyboard and pointing device may be limited.Rather than reduce the size of the keyboard or point device, it ispreferable if some of the space occupied by the keyboard can be used bythe pointing device. One prior art solution is shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,413,294 to Greenquist which disclose a raised platform that supports amouse over a portion of the keyboard. The disadvantage of this approachis that the keys under the platform are unavailable to the user.

[0003] There exists a need for equipment that will position the pointingdevice and the keyboard in a more ergonomically efficient relationshipwithout sacrificing the use of any keys of the keyboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides apparatus that readily accommodatepositioning of a pointing device within the footprint of a keyboard. Inone aspect, the present invention takes the form of a keyboard pointingdevice pad that works in conjunction with standard keyboard and pointingdevices to position the pointing device over a portion of the keyboardand within the keyboard footprint while permitting full use of thepointing device and all the keyboard keys. In another aspect, thepresent invention comprises a keyboard having modified key surfaces tosupport a pointing device.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention provides apparatus forsupporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computerkeyboard comprising:

[0006] a surface positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard tosupport a pointing device; and

[0007] means to permit manipulation of the keyboard keys formed in thesurface.

[0008] The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting acomputer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboardcomprising:

[0009] a platform positionable over at least a portion of the keyboardto support a pointing device; and

[0010] deformable regions in the platform to permit manipulation of thekeyboard keys through the platform.

[0011] The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting acomputer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboard comprisinga plurality of key caps, each key cap being positionable over a key ofthe keyboard such that the plurality of key caps co-operate to define aplatform to support a pointing device.

[0012] The present invention also provides apparatus for supporting acomputer pointing device over the keys of a computer keyboardcomprising:

[0013] a lower layer with at least one opening therethroughcorresponding to at least one key on the keyboard;

[0014] an upper deformable layer over the lower layer of sufficientrigidity to support a pointing device and deformable to permitmanipulation of the keyboard keys through the at least one opening.

[0015] In a further aspect, the present invention provides in a keyboardfor a computer, the keyboard having a plurality of depressible keys, theimprovement comprising at least a portion of the keys being formed withtop surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface to support apointing device.

[0016] The present invention also provides a keyboard for a computercomprising:

[0017] a plurality of depressible keys for inputting information intothe computer having first top surfaces; and

[0018] a plurality of depressible keys for inputting information to thecomputer having second top surfaces for defining a planar surface tosupport a pointing device.

[0019] The present inventions also provides a keyboard unit for acomputer comprising:

[0020] a housing;

[0021] a plurality of depressible keys mounted within the housing andformed with top surfaces that co-operate to define a planar surface tosupport a pointing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Aspects of the present invention are illustrated, merely by wayof example, in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the keyboardpointing device pad installed on a typical keyboard;

[0024]FIG. 1a is a view of the keyboard pointing device pad of FIG. 1alone;

[0025]FIG. 1b is a view of an alternative keyboard pointing device padformed with a resilient surface;

[0026]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of theinvention;

[0027]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the invention;

[0028]FIG. 3A is a detail view of a post member that can be used withthe embodiment of FIG. 3;

[0029]FIG. 3B is a detail cross-section view of an alternative mainlayer and upper layer that can be used with the embodiment of FIG. 3;

[0030]FIG. 3C is a detail cross-section view of a still furtherembodiment that uses a rigid layer to support a point device andresilient pockets in the rigid layer to permit manipulation of keysbelow the rigid layer;

[0031]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of theinvention comprising a transparent platform with key receiving recessesin a lower surface for application over top of a keyboard;

[0032]FIG. 4A is a detail cross-section view of a keycap arrangementaccording to the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a further embodiment of thepresent invention comprising a raised pad for supporting a pointingdevice in conjunction with the top surfaces of the keys;

[0034]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of theinvention comprising a keyboard unit with specially formed keys todefine a surface to support a pointing device;

[0035]FIG. 5A is a perspective of a still further embodiment of theinvention comprising a keyboard with a specially formed section havingkeys to define a surface to support a pointing device;

[0036]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional detail view of the keys of thekeyboard unit of FIG. 5;

[0037]FIG. 7 is a detail view showing a key design for use with thekeyboard according to the present invention; and

[0038]FIG. 8 is a side elevation view showing an alternative keyboardarrangement.

[0039]FIG. 9 is a detail view of a further key design for use with thekeyboard of the present invention;

[0040]FIG. 10 is a detail view of a further key design for use with thekeyboard of the present invention; and

[0041]FIG. 11 is a detail section-view of a still further key design.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1a, there is shown a first embodiment ofa keyboard pointing device pad 2 according to the present invention.FIG. 1 shows the pad 2 installed over the numeric keypad region 4, thecursor key region 5 and the editing keys (Insert, delete, page up, pagedown) region 6 of a standard keyboard 7. Keys in regions 4, 5 and 6 tendto be less used than the keys of the main QWERTY keyboard region 8. Theillustrated keyboard is an ergonomic model having the QWERTY keyboardregion 8 separated into two angled sections 8 a and 8 b with the keys ineach section being manipulated by one hand. It will be appreciated thatthe keyboard pointing device pad 2 of the present invention can be usedin conjunction with any keyboard design or layout. In addition, whilethe following description may refer to a specific arrangement in which aparticular pointing device such as a mechanical mouse is used, it willbe understood that the pointing device pad of the present invention canbe used in conjunction with other pointing devices such as optical miceor track balls.

[0043] Keyboard pointing device pad 2 comprises a surface 10positionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support a mouse.In the illustrated embodiment, surface 10 is formed with means to permitmanipulation of the keyboard keys formed in surface 10 in the form of aplurality of openings 12 that extend through the surface to permit auser's finger tips to touch and depress the keys covered by the pad 2.Surface 10 is a rigid surface that includes support legs 14 at oppositeedges of the surface to raise and support the surface above the keys.Legs 14 preferably rest against the surface 15 of the keyboard housing,however, an alternative arrangement in which a portion of legs 14 areelongated to form extensions 14 b to rest on the same surface as thekeyboard is possible. Surface 10 and legs 14 are preferably moulded fromplastic as a one piece unit. Surface 10 is preferably transparent ortranslucent to allow the user a clear view of the keys below the pad.

[0044] Openings 12 are formed in surface 10 to align with the keyscovered by the surface such that each opening permits access to at leastone key. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1a, there is an opening12 formed for each individual key on keyboard 5. It will be understoodthat openings 12 can be dimensioned such that one opening providesaccess to more than one key. The arrangement of keys in regions 4, 5 and6 of the keyboard tend to be standardized across different keyboarddesigns, and, therefore, a few different models of the pointing devicepad of the present invention each with a different hole pattern will besufficient to accommodate most keyboard designs.

[0045] A mechanical or optical mouse or track ball placed on surface 10is supported above the keyboard for normal operation by a user. In thecase of a mechanical mouse with a rotatable mouse ball extending fromthe underside of the mouse body, the rotatable ball rolls over surface10 to operate in the usual manner. If the mouse ball is positioned overan opening 12, the ball will tend to roll over the top of the key orkeys exposed through the opening. The spring force biasing the keyboardkeys to their default ready position is sufficient to prevent unintendeddepression of the key. In the case of an optical mouse, the surface ofthe pad and the exposed keys provides an optically varied appearancethat allows the mouse to detect movement. In the case of a track ballunit, the surface of the pad acts simply to support the weight of theunit.

[0046] As an additional feature, the embodiment of FIG. 1a is shown witha resilient wrist rest portion 19 for the comfort of the user extendingfrom leg 14. Preferably, portion 19 is a gel cushion. Wrist rest portion19 can be also be included with any of the additional embodimentsdescribed below.

[0047]FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the keyboard pointingdevice pad 2 of the present invention. In this embodiment, supportsurface 10 for the pointing is a resilient member 17 of a pre-determinedthickness having a lower side 16 to engage surface 15 of keyboard and anupper side 18 positioned above the keys to support the pointing device.In this arrangement, a plurality of openings 12 extend through theresilient member from lower side 16 to upper side 18 with each openingpermitting access to at least one key. In the illustrated embodiment,three large openings 12 a, 12 b and 12 c are formed through resilientmember 17 to provide access to the groups of keys in the keypad keyregion 4, the cursor key region 5 and the editing key region 6,respectively

[0048] Preferably, resilient member 17 is formed from a foam materialthat is suitably rigid to support a pointing device such as a mechanicalor optical mouse or a track ball. Resilient member 17 creates a raisedsurface at upper side 18 that is co-extensive with the exposed tops ofthe keyboard keys to define a surface for the pointing device. Aspreviously, described, the spring force biasing the keyboard keys totheir default ready position is sufficient to prevent unintendeddepression of the key. Resilient member 17 can also be formed from othermaterials such as plastic, rubber or thermoplastic elastomers such asthe material sold under the trademark Santoprene®.

[0049] The keyboard pointing device pad 2 of FIG. 2 also includes anoptional resilient region 19 to support the wrist of a user.

[0050] While the keyboard pointing device pads of FIGS. 1, 1a, and 2 areillustrated with openings 12 that extend through surface 10, it iscontemplated that a deformable layer or film can be positioned acrosseach opening to permit depression of the keys through openings 12 byresilient stretching of the deformable layer. For example, thedeformable layer can be a transparent flexible film layer of sufficientrigidity to support a pointing device. Such a deformable layer 17 a isshown over the opening 12 b to accommodate the navigation keys in FIG.2. Suitable materials for the deformable layer include resilientplastics, rubber or silicone. In the case of the second embodiment ofFIG. 2, resilient member 17 is selected to be of sufficient thickness toposition the deformable layer above the keys of the keyboard. Inaddition, the deformable layer may be formed with downwardly dependingposts adapted to engage with keys of the keyboard to limit the extent towhich the deformable layer must be stretched to manipulate the keys.

[0051]FIG. 1b illustrates an example of an arrangement that relies on aresilient surface. Rigid legs 14 support a resilient surface 10 a whichpreferably extends between a rigid frame 14 a defining a single largeopening over the keys. Resilient surface 10 a allows pressing of thekeys below the surface by applying pressure to the resilient surface.Preferably, resilient surface 10 a is transparent or translucent so thatthe keyboard keys can be viewed below the surface. If the surface 10 ais formed from an opaque material, the surface is marked with indicia toindicate the position of the keys below the deformable surface. Notethat FIG. 1b also shows extensions 14 b that permit frame 14 a to besupported by the same surface that supports the keyboard, in addition tothe frame resting on the keyboard housing.

[0052]FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of the keyboard pointingdevice pad 2 of the present invention in an exploded view to clearlyshow component parts. The assembled pad structure defines a platformpositionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support apointing device. The platform includes deformable regions to permitmanipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform. The pad of thethird embodiment comprises a lower layer 20 having openings 21therethrough to permit access to one or more keys. Lower layer 20 ispreferably formed from a resilient foam material of sufficient thicknessto extend upwardly from the keyboard surface to adjacent the tops of thekeys. Lower layer 20 supports an upper resilient layer 23 having a lowersurface 25 formed with key engaging members and an upper surface 26 tosupport the pointing device. As best shown in FIG. 3A, key engagingmembers may comprise a plurality of downwardly extending posts 24 witheach post being adapted to engage at least one key. In a preferredarrangement, each post 24 is formed with a convex lower surface 24 a toengage with the corresponding concave upper surface 200 of the keyboardkey 202 to ensure reliable manipulation of the keys.

[0053]FIG. 3B is a cross-section through an alternative resilient layer23 in which each post 24 is associated with folds 23 a of excessmaterial in the layer defining a series of pockets below the layer.Preferably, folds 23 a are formed in an accordion pleat configurationhaving a base 23 b supported by angled walls 23 c. Posts 24 andassociated convex lower surfaces 24 a are mounted centrally on the lowerbase 23 b of the pleat in order to engage keys below resilient layer 23.The pleats accommodate movement of posts 24 to engage the keys byflexing of angled walls 23 c. This arrangement permits resilient layer23 to be formed from a material of lesser elasticity. The upper edges ofangled walls 23 c define a small gap 23 d in resilient layer 23associated with each key to readily permit flexing of the angled walls.Preferably, gap 23 d will have a width of less than about 2 mm to handlepointing devices, such as optical mice, which generally cannot navigateacross gaps of more than 2 mm. Alternatively, upper surface 28 may beapplied over resilient layer 23 to cover gaps 23 d, however, this willlimit the flexing of the angled walls. The folded accordion pleatconfiguration described above can be used in any of the embodiments ofthe present invention which rely on a resilient deformable surfacepositioned over the keys of a keyboard.

[0054]FIG. 3C illustrates a further embodiment of the present inventionsimilar to that shown in FIG. 3B. However, in the arrangement of FIG.3C, folds 23 a of excess resilient material defining pockets 302 aremounted to a rigid layer 300 adjacent openings 304 in the layer topermit access to keyboard keys underneath the layer. Pockets 302 arepreferably attached by gluing to the underside 301 of rigid layer 300.As in the previous arrangement of FIG. 3B, each fold of resilientmaterial supports a key engaging member in the form of a post 324. Theupper end 324 b of each post is preferably dimensioned to substantiallyfill opening 304 in the rigid layer 300 to present a comfortable surfaceto the user's finger to depress in order to press a key. The lower endof each post is preferably formed with a convex region 324 a to engage akey. When a post is pressed by the user, the resilient material definingpockets 302 is deformed and stretched to allow the post to movedownwardly to contact the corresponding key below the post. Theresiliency of the pocket material returns post 324 to the defaultposition illustrated in FIG. 3C with upper end 324 b substantially flushwith the upper side of rigid layer 300 to define a planar surface tosupport a pointing device. The resilient pocket with post arrangement ofFIG. 3C attached to a rigid surface can be used in any of theembodiments of the present invention which rely on a rigid surfacepositioned over the keys of a keyboard.

[0055] Returning to FIG. 3, a further alternative arrangement ispossible in which the key engaging members comprise a plurality ofrecesses 25 a in lower surface 25 with each recess being dimensioned toreceive at least one key. Recesses 25 a would replace posts 24 and wouldenclose each key about four sides and the top of the key to positivelyinterconnect the keys to the resilient layer 23. Resilient layer 23 maybe transparent or translucent to allow the user to view the keysdirectly through the layer. Alternatively, an upper layer 28 may bemounted over upper surface 26 of resilient layer 23 to provide a surfaceof suitable roughness for reliable operation of a mechanical mouse. Ifupper layer 28 is opaque, indicia 30 are marked thereon to indicate thepositions of the keys below resilient layer 23.

[0056]FIG. 4 illustrates a still further embodiment similar to thatillustrated in FIG. 3. In this case, however, keyboard pointing devicepad 2 is preferably formed from a single piece of resilient materialwithout the layers of the embodiment of FIG. 3. The single piece ofmaterial defines a platform structure 31 having a planar upper surface32 to support a pointing device and a lower surface 34 formed with aplurality of recesses 36 extending from the lower surface toward theupper surface. Each recess is dimensioned to receive at least one key.Recesses 36 are formed in lower surface 34 to be negative impressions ofone or more keys. Preferably, each recess corresponds to one key andencloses the key about four sides and the top of the key to positivelyinterconnect the key and platform structure 31. Platform structure 31may be formed from a transparent or translucent material as shown inFIG. 4 to allow the user to view the keys directly through upper surface32. Alternatively, platform structure 31 may be formed from an opaquematerial or may include an opaque upper surface 32 which is marked withindicia to indicate the keys below the surface within each recess 36. Ina still further variation, the recess 36 formed in lower surface 34 mayextend all the way to upper surface 32 to define an opening in the uppersurface through which the key is visible. While a platform structurethat covers all the keys in a particular region is shown in FIG. 4, itwill be understood that a smaller platform structure covering singlekeys or groups of keys may be used. For example, as illustrated incross-section in FIG. 4A, platform structure 31 can be formed with arecess 36 and an upper surface 32 dimensioned to fit over a single keyin a key cap arrangement 37, and a pointing device supporting surfacecan be formed by a user selecting a plurality of desired keys withindividual key caps.

[0057]FIG. 4B shows a further arrangement, in which the apparatus forsupporting the computer pointing device works in co-operation with topsurfaces of the keyboard keys. In this embodiment, a pad 250 ispositionable about a plurality of keys to create a raised top surface251 that is co-extensive with the top surfaces of the keys to support apointing device. In the illustrated example, pad 250is formed with aplurality of cut outs 255 corresponding to different groups of keys. Thethickness 256 of pad 250 is selected such that surface 251 is atsubstantially the same level as the tops of the keys. A pointing deviceplaced on pad 250 will be freely movable over pad top surface 251 andthe top surfaces of the keys to support the pointing device within thefootprint of the keyboard. Pad 250 is preferably formed from aresilient, light weight material such as foam, plastic or Santoprene®.While pad 250 has been illustrated with cut outs 255 for multiple groupsof keys, it will be understood that the pad can be formed as arectangular member with a single central opening to fit about aparticular grouping of keys such as the numeric keypad keys or theediting keys.

[0058] In all the various embodiments of the present invention, and,particularly as illustrated in FIG. 4, it is possible to embed a weakmagnet 39 in either the surface supporting the pointing device or thepointing device 40 and a ferrous material attracted to the magnet in thearticle without the magnet. This ferrous material can be iron particlesdistributed throughout the supporting surface. Alternatively, theferrous material can be existing metal in the keypad or keyboard. Theattraction of the ferrous material to the magnet assists in retainingthe pointing device on the surface without slipping. For example, a flatferrous magnet can be attached to the bottom of the mouse for attractionto any ferrous material in the keyboard.

[0059] Instead of providing an additional pad or platform structure tosupport a pointing device above an existing keyboard, it is alsopossible to modify the shape of some or all of the keyboard keys todefine a surface that is better able to support a pointing devicedirectly on the top surface of the keys. Such an arrangement findsparticular application with respect to the keyboard of a laptopcomputer. As best shown in FIG. 5, this may involve forming a separatekeyboard unit 50 which includes a plurality of keys 52 formed with topsurfaces 54 that co-operate to define a planar surface to support apointing device. Such a keyboard unit would be for use in conjunctionwith a main keyboard of conventional design.

[0060] Alternatively, a conventional keyboard layout can be modified toinclude one or more regions that have a plurality of keys 52 formed withtop surfaces to support a pointing device. FIG. 5A shows one suchkeyboard arrangement 51 with a modified keyboard housing in which theusual extended keypad region 53 of the keyboard is integrated with themain housing, but is moulded at a different level and angle from thealphanumeric key region 55. With either a separate keyboard unit 50 or amodified keyboard 51, the keys that co-operate to define a supportingsurface for the pointing device will generally be the numeric keypadkeys, the editing keys, and the cursor keys. It is also contemplatedthat just a single group of either the numeric keypad keys, the editingkeys or the cursor keys can be formed to define a supporting surface. Inthe case of separate keyboard unit 50 (FIG. 5), it is preferably thatthe keyboard housing 56 be positionable in a generally horizontalconfiguration so that keys' top surfaces 54 are generally level tosupport a pointing device place on the surfaces without slipping. Whilekeyboard unit 50 may be separate from a main keyboard 100, it may bedesirable to pivotally connect the housing of keyboard unit 50 to thehousing of main keyboard 100 to permit pivoting of the unit 50. Pivotingallows keyboard unit 50 to maintain a flat (perpendicular to gravity)area for supporting a pointing device independent of the angle of themain keyboard. The pivotal connection may be at the lower edge of thehousing of the main keyboard 100 as shown in FIG. 5 for typical userswho generally tilt the main keyboard toward the user. Alternatively, forusers who are accustomed to tilting the keyboard away from the user suchthat the space bar is higher or level with the function keys, thepivotal connection would be at the upper edge of the housing of the mainkeyboard.

[0061] Different designs for the individual keys that make up the keysof the keyboard are possible. For example, in the keyboard unit 50 ofFIG. 5, each individual key has a structure which is best illustrated bythe cross sectional view through the keys of FIG. 6. Each key comprisesa generally hollow, parallelepiped body 60 with sides 62 that areparallel to the sides of adjacent keys and a flat top surface. The baseof the key is open and includes connection means 66 for releasably orpermanently attaching the key to a conventional mounting location on thekeyboard. There are various known arrangements for connecting keys tothe keyboard housing in such a manner as to permit depression of the keyto send a signal to the computer to which the keyboard is connected. Thekeys of the keyboard of the present invention can be adapted for use inany of these known arrangements. Key bodies 60 are preferably spacedclosely together with minimal spacing between adjacent top surface 64such that a substantially continuous planar support surface 70 isdefined to support a pointing device. A small gap less than about 2 mmis left between the side walls and the top surface of adjacent keys toprovide clearance so that the keys do not interfere with each other whendepressed. Pointing devices such as optical mice generally cannotnavigate across gaps of more than 2 mm, therefore, the smaller the gapbetween keys, the better the performance of an optical mouse.

[0062]FIG. 7 illustrates in cross section an alternative key design inwhich each key comprises a generally trapezoidal body 74 with a widertop surface 76 tapering to a narrower base 78. Key connecting means 80joins each key to a corresponding mounting location 82 on the keyboardhousing 56. The wider top surfaces 76 of the keys are dimensioned to bespaced apart by a minimal gap such that the keys' top surfaces define asubstantially planar support surface. The tapering side walls 75 of thebody provide clearance between the keys to minimize interference betweenadjacent keys when one key is depressed. In addition, any detritus thatinevitably accumulates on keyboards will tend to fall between the keysto the bottom of the keyboard housing in the channels formed by taperingside walls 75 to minimize jamming or sticking of the keys.

[0063]FIG. 8 illustrates a third embodiment show in plan view in whicheach key comprises a generally trapezoidal body 84 with a wider base 86tapering to a narrower flat top surface 88. In this arrangement, theplanar surface to support a pointing device is formed from the pluralityof discrete flat top surfaces 88 of individual keys.

[0064] As best shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable that each key includesa layer of high friction material 90 on the top surface 88 of the key toprovide a non-slip surface for supporting a pointing device and forreliably receiving and supporting a user's fingertip when the key isdepressed.

[0065]FIG. 9 illustrates still a further key design for use with thekeyboard of the present invention to define a support surface forpointing device. In this arrangement, each key 92 comprises a rigidcentral post 94 for joining to the keyboard housing and an upperplatform 96 extending about the perimeter of the post. Platform 96 ispreferably a resilient material such as silicone or foam that surroundsa hard plastic central post. Upper platform 96 defines a top surface ofthe key that supports a pointing device in conjunction with theplatforms on other adjacent keys. The contrast between the relativelyhard central post 94 and the relatively soft platform 96 providestactile feed back to the user to permit centring of the fingers on thekeys when being used for entering data. The different materials alsoprovide visual cues to the user regarding the separation of thedifferent keys. The resiliency of platform 96 ensures that keys will notbind are interfere with each other when being depressed.

[0066]FIG. 10 illustrates another key design which is similar to thatshown in FIG. 9. In this case, each key 100 includes an upper platform96 of resilient material mounted over a rigid central post.94 such thatthe upper surface of the post does not extend through the platform.

[0067]FIG. 11 is a cross-section through another key design similar tothat of FIGS. 9 and 10. In this case, the entire key 102 including post94 and upper platform 96 is made from the same resilient material.

[0068] The various key designs described above may be installed inkeyboards to create a keyboard having a combination of different keytypes. For example, as best shown in FIG. 5A, one group of keys 55 areconventional depressible keys for inputting information into thecomputer having first top surfaces, such as concave surfaces. The othergroup of keys 53 are keys having a different top surface which performthe dual role of permitting inputting of information while also defininga planar surface to support a pointing device.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described in some detailby way of example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will beapparent that certain changes and modifications may be practised withinthe scope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device over thekeys of a computer keyboard comprising: a surface positionable over atleast a portion of the keyboard to support a pointing device; and meansto permit manipulation of the keyboard keys formed in the surface. 2.Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the surface is a rigid surfaceand the means to permit manipulation of the keys comprises at least oneopening through the surface, each of the at least one openingspermitting access to at least one key.
 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim2 including a fold of resilient material defining a pocket associatedwith the at least one opening in the rigid surface, the fold ofresilient material supporting a key engaging member.
 4. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 including rigid support legs to position the surfaceover the computer keyboard.
 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in whichthe support legs rest on a surface of the keyboard.
 6. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 4 in which the support legs rest on a surface thatsupports the keyboard.
 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which themeans to permit manipulation of the keys comprises a frame supported bylegs having at least one opening therethrough and a deformable layerextending over the at least one opening to permit pressing of the keysby applying pressure to the resilient surface.
 8. Apparatus as claimedin claim 1 in which the surface is a resilient surface and the means topermit manipulation of the keys comprises deformable regions of theresilient surface to allow pressing of the keys by applying pressure tothe resilient surface.
 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which theresilient surface includes indicia to indicate the positions of the keysbelow the surface.
 10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which theresilient surface is translucent for viewing of the keys below thesurface.
 11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 in which the resilientsurface is formed with folds to accommodate deformation of the resilientlayer.
 12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the surface is aresilient member having a lower side to engage a surface of the keyboardand an upper side positioned above the keys to support the pointingdevice.
 13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which the means topermit manipulation of the keys comprises at least one opening extendingthrough the resilient member from the lower side to the upper side, eachof the at least one openings permitting access to at least one key. 14.Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which resilient member is formedfrom a material selected from the group consisting of foam, rubber,plastic and thermoplastic elastomer.
 15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1including a resilient region to support the wrist of a user. 16.Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 in which the resilient region is a gelcushion.
 17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the one of thesurface and the pointing device includes a magnet and the other includesa material attracted to the magnet to assist in retaining the pointingdevice on the surface.
 18. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointingdevice over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising: a platformpositionable over at least a portion of the keyboard to support apointing device; and deformable regions in the platform to permitmanipulation of the keyboard keys through the platform.
 19. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 18 in which the platform includes a resilient layerhaving a lower surface formed with key engaging members and an uppersurface to support the pointing device.
 20. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 19 in which the platform includes a lower layer to support theresilient layer above the keys.
 21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 inwhich the lower surface includes a plurality of downwardly extendingposts, each post being adapted to engage at least one key.
 22. Apparatusas claimed in claim 21 in which the resilient layer is formed with foldsof material adjacent each post to accommodate deformation of theresilient layer.
 23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 in which each postis formed with a convex surface to engage with the corresponding concavesurface of the key.
 24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 in which thelower surface is formed with a plurality of recesses, each recess beingdimensioned to receive at least one key.
 25. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 24 in which each recess is formed to enclose the key about foursides and the top of the key.
 26. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 inwhich the upper surface is marked with indicia to indicate the positionsof the keys below the platform.
 27. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18including a resilient region to support the wrist of a user. 28.Apparatus as claimed in claim 27 in which the resilient region is a gelcushion.
 29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which one of theplatform and the pointing device includes a magnet and the otherincludes a material attracted to the magnet to assist in retaining thepointing device on the platform.
 30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 inwhich the platform includes a rigid layer having a plurality of openingsthrough the layer with an upper surface to support the pointing deviceand a lower surface formed with fold of resilient material defining apocket associated with each of the plurality of openings, each pocketbeing deformable to permit pressing of at least one key below the rigidlayer.
 31. Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 in which the platformincludes a lower layer to support the rigid layer above the keys. 32.Apparatus as claimed in claim 30 in which each pocket is formed with adownwardly extending post to engage at least one key.
 33. Apparatus forsupporting a computer pointing device over the keys of a computerkeyboard comprising: a lower layer with at least one openingtherethrough corresponding to at least one key on the keyboard; an upperdeformable layer over the lower layer of sufficient rigidity to supporta pointing device and deformable to permit manipulation of the keyboardkeys through the at least one opening.
 34. Apparatus as claimed in claim33 in which the at least one opening in the lower layer comprises aplurality of openings with each opening corresponding to a group of keyson the keyboard.
 35. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 in which the lowerlayer has a lower surface to engage the keyboard and an upper surface towhich the deformable layer is mounted, the lower layer being formed froma resilient material of sufficient thickness to position the deformablelayer above the keys.
 36. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 in which thedeformable layer is formed with downwardly depending posts adapted toengage with keys of the keyboard.
 37. Apparatus as claimed in claim 36in which the deformable layer is formed with folds of material adjacenteach post to accommodate deformation of the deformable layer. 38.Apparatus as claimed in claim 35 in which the upper surface is markedwith indicia to indicate the positions of the keys below the platform.39. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33 including a resilient region in thelower layer to support the wrist of a user.
 40. Apparatus as claimed inclaim 33 in which the resilient region is a gel cushion.
 41. Apparatusas claimed in claim 33 in which one of the upper layer and the pointingdevice includes a magnet and the other includes a material attracted tothe magnet to assist in retaining the pointing device on the upperlayer.
 42. In a keyboard for a computer, the keyboard having a pluralityof depressible keys, the improvement comprising at least a portion ofthe keys being formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define aplanar surface to support a pointing device.
 43. A keyboard as claimedin claim 42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keyscomprises a generally parallelepiped body with sides that are parallelto the sides of adjacent keys and a flat top surface.
 44. A keyboard asclaimed in claim 43 in which the keys are positioned with minimalspacing between adjacent top surfaces such that the planar surface issubstantially continuous.
 45. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in whicheach key of the at least a portion of the keys comprises a generallytrapezoidal body with a wider base tapering to a narrower flat topsurface such that the planar surface is defined by a plurality ofdiscrete flat surfaces.
 46. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in whicheach key of the at least a portion of the keys comprises a generallytrapezoidal body with a wider top surface tapering to a narrower basewith minimal spacing between adjacent top surfaces such that the planarsurface is substantially continuous.
 47. A keyboard as claimed in claim42 in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys includes ahigh friction material on the top surface of the key.
 48. A keyboard asclaimed in claim 42 in which the keys of the keyboard are arranged toinclude an alpha-numeric key region and an extended key region having anediting key region, a cursor key region, and a numeric key region withkeys of the extended key region being formed with top surfaces thatco-operate to define a planar surface to support a pointing device. 49.A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which the keys of the keyboard arearranged into an editing key region, a cursor key region, and a numerickey region.
 50. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key ofthe at least a portion of the keys includes a rigid central postsupporting an upper platform of resilient material extending about theperimeter of the central post to define a top surface of the key.
 51. Akeyboard as claimed in claim 42 in which each key of the at least aportion of the keys includes an upper platform of resilient materialmounted over a rigid central post.
 52. A keyboard as claimed in claim 42in which each key of the at least a portion of the keys includes ancentral post and an upper platform formed from resilient material.
 53. Akeyboard for a computer comprising: a plurality of depressible keys forinputting information into the computer having first top surfaces; and aplurality of depressible keys for inputting information to the computerhaving second top surfaces for defining a planar surface to support apointing device.
 54. A keyboard as claimed in claim 53 in which theplurality of depressible keys having second top surfaces is formed as atleast one group of keys in a separate keyboard housing that isintegrated with a housing for the plurality of depressible keys havingfirst top surfaces.
 55. A keyboard as claimed in claim 53 in which theplurality of depressible keys having second top surfaces is formed as atleast one group of keys in a separate housing that is releasablyconnectable to a separate housing for the plurality of depressible keyshaving first top surfaces.
 56. A keyboard unit for a computercomprising: a housing; a plurality of depressible keys mounted withinthe housing and formed with top surfaces that co-operate to define aplanar surface to support a pointing device.
 57. A keyboard unit asclaimed in claim 56 in which the keyboard unit is pivotally connectableto a main keyboard.
 58. Apparatus for supporting a computer pointingdevice over the keys of a computer keyboard comprising a plurality ofkey caps, each key cap being positionable over a key of the keyboardsuch that the plurality of key caps co-operate to define a platform tosupport a pointing device.
 59. Apparatus as claimed in claim 58 in whicheach key cap comprises a recess to receive a key and an upper surface todefine a portion of the platform to support a pointing device. 60.Apparatus for supporting a computer pointing device on a plurality ofkeys of a computer keyboard having a keyboard housing comprising asurface positionable about a plurality of keys on the keyboard housingto create a raised surface co-extensive with a plurality of top surfacesof the keys to support the pointing device.